2026 Stage Presenters

Wes David Stage Host, Stage Presenter, and Show Ambassador

Wes David was born and raised on a cattle ranch near Beiseker, Alberta and has called Airdrie, Alberta, home for the last 23 years. A former professional bull rider turned professional walleye tournament angler, outdoor writer, and host & producer of Fishing the Wild West TV, a fishing show dedicated to angling throughout western Canada and the northern U.S. States. Fishing the Wild West TV is in its 10th season and currently airing on 7 different US and Canadian networks.  

Wes spends about 125-days on the water each year fishing, videoing, and researching information for magazines, TV, and conservation efforts. Wes has videoed and written magazine articles covering all freshwater fish species and fishing for them and many saltwater species. Articles and videos also cover hunting, wildlife and fisheries, fishing gear, outdoor youth, and future conservation. 

Wes is a big believer in conservation, educating about Canada’s fisheries and wildlife, and getting our youth involved in the outdoors.  

Vanessa Harrop Outdoor Quest TV

Vanessa has a deep passion for hunting and the outdoors and she loves to immerse herself in cultures around the globe. As hunting is the cornerstone of all cultures, she believes there is no better way to experience a destination. She is constantly seeking out new adventures and whether it’s climbing mountains in search of mountain goats and sheep, chasing Muskox on the tundra with her bow, or stalking elk and deer in the foothills of Alberta, she embraces it all! There is nothing quite like the adrenalin and anticipation that comes with each adventure. Vanessa is also a gear junky and is constantly searching out and testing products to assist in her pursuits. There is no need to call Vanessa a huntress. She is proud to be simply a hunter and no matter where she hunts, she is respected for her tenacity and grit. She is a strong role model for all women hunters.

https://outdoorquesttv.com/index.html

Mel Chmilar Jr. Darkside of the Grill

Mel Chmilar Jr., widely known as Darkside of the Grill, is an award-winning pitmaster, pit builder, TV personality, and proud Canadian, celebrated for bringing the heat and flavor of live-fire cooking from the Great White North to audiences worldwide. With his own line of BBQ rubs and seasonings, Mel creates products that stand out for their quality ingredients and bold, global flavors. His collaboration with Heartbeat Hot Sauce, featured on the popular TV show Hot Ones, showcases his dedication to unique, high-quality ingredients. His energetic performances at international live-fire events—from Memphis in May to the Key West Invitational (where he took home Grand Champion honors)—have earned him recognition on stages from New Zealand to Brazil. Mel’s signature catchphrase, “Fire in the Hole!,” never fails to ignite excitement in crowds. As a spokesperson for Alberta Beef, the Canadian Beef Association, and International Farm Fair, Mel stays rooted in the farm-to-table ethos. He works closely with local butchers, fishmongers, and chefs in every country he visits, showcasing his expertise in everything from beef and pork to seafood.

Adam Gotmy and Andy Edeburn Dirt Nap TV

Host Adam Gotmy has put together a team of pro-staff from all across Canada. The goal of the show is to bring you on the journey of the everyday hunter. All the pro-staff on Dirt Nap TV are your average everyday hunters. Our hunts are self-guided and a lot of the time self-filmed. The Dirt Nap team hunts after work and on weekends. This is our passion, not our jobs. Over the years the team has hunted every game animal that Canada has to offer, From northern BC mountain goat to Newfoundland Moose and everything in between. We hunt for the purpose of putting food on the table and spending quality time with friends and family.

https://www.youtube.com/@dirtnaptv3715

Alberta Underwater Council Dive Smart Alberta

The Alberta Underwater Council (AUC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting underwater sports and activities in Alberta since 1960. The AUC serves as the representative body for various underwater activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, free diving, and underwater sports such as underwater hockey. The council aims to encourage responsible participation in these activities while preserving the aquatic environment. It is managed by an Executive Director and a volunteer board of directors elected during the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

https://www.albertaunderwatercouncil.com/

Gerard Van Den Boogaard East to West Outfitting

The Guide Life. Living and making a living in the outdoors

My goal is to inspire anyone (especially young people) who have a love for hunting and sharing it with others, to check out the guiding industry. It can be a great place to make some of the best memories of your life! 

I’m Gerard Van Den Boogaard. I was born and raised in a farming community in Southern Ontario. At an early age, my father introduced me to hunting. The desire to hunt was awakened and quickly became an unstoppable passion to pursue wildlife and adventures outdoors. 

My love for wildlife at an early age led me to share it with others and without realizing it, I became a guide. My season would run out if I filled my tags too quickly, but I learned that I could stretch out my season by taking friends and family out hunting to fill their tags as well. Even greater than my own hunting pursuits and accomplishments - are the ones that I have been able to share with others. 

I completed an education in Agriculture. However, the allure of the wild stayed my priority and the degree I eventually earned took the backseat behind my hunting adventures. I’ve been guiding professionally with Mikes Outfitting Ltd. for 10 years and more recently, have started growing my own outfit, “East to West Outfitting.” My goal is to continue sharing the beauty and mystery of the great outdoors with the opportunities I’ve been entrusted with! 

www.easttowestoutfitting.com 

2026 Stage Presenters

Wes David Stage Host, Stage Presenter, and Show Ambassador

Vanessa Harrop Outdoor Quest TV

Mel Chmilar Jr. Darkside of the Grill

Adam Gotmy and Andy Edeburn Dirt Nap TV

Alberta Underwater Council Dive Smart Alberta

Gerard Van Den Boogaard East to West Outfitting

Alberta Sasquatch Organization

Larry Wedgewood Alberta Underwater Council

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